Living in Central Oregon still feels like a dream. The novelty hasn't worn off that I can walk out the door and see snow-capped mountains, majestic trees and the rugged desert landscape. I love to run, hike and bike through the woods, inhaling the scent of juniper deep into my lungs.

And just as I have often ended up at a crossroads on the trail, I now find myself at a crossroads in my career. The path behind me is serene. I have walked the road for many years, and the vista is both familiar and friendly. The road I must take now is unknown, unmarked and unnamed.

I have no compass to point me in a specific direction. No map to carefully guide my steps and lay out the journey with turn-by-turn precision. I don't know whether I will face a steep climb with lots of rocks or if the way will be smooth and free of obstacles. I only know one thing -- I will lace up my hiking boots and continue to put one foot in front of the other.

And oh yeah, I won't be so concerned with looking at the terrain below me and carefully placing every step that I forget to stop occasionally and take in the view.